I just moved to NYC and I don't understand how anyone survives here without a Hulken bag

A TikTok deep dive revealed that the Hulken is the rolling, foldable grocery cart of choice among stylish city dwellers. It's been popular for a few years, but living in Kansas, I had clearly missed the memo.

The Hulken has a few key differences from the classic granny cart: it's made from gapless polypropylene instead of mesh-like metal, has a zippered top, and folds down super flat for storage. It looks kind of like an Ikea bag on wheels — very industrial chic. But, unlike an Ikea bag (which will only set you back $0.99), the Hulken costs a cool $115 for the large size. I decided to try it for myself to see if it was truly life-changing enough to justify the cost.

Reader, I'm happy to report that it is.

My first task for the Hulken was to schlep a plethora of products I had to test from Business Insider's offices downtown back to my apartment on the Upper West Side. I managed to fit an entire microwave, a Le Creuset braiser, and a set of sheets into the Hulken with room to spare. I had put off lugging these items home for weeks, so I was delighted that they all fit so easily into one Hulken trip.

Unlike most grocery carts, the Hulken is pulled instead of pushed, which takes some getting used to. I find I have the most control when using the two side handles to roll it alongside me instead of pulling it behind me.

At 5'11", I was also worried that I'd have to hunch to reach the handles comfortably. Fortunately, the fit is pretty much perfect for my reach; I can walk at full posture while pulling it, which is very good news for my back.

On my initial journey with the Hulken, I took it down a cobblestone street, up and down subway stairs and escalators, onto the subway during rush hour, and over the litter-strewn streets of my neighborhood. Since then, I've taken it to Trader Joe's, the farmers market, Central Park, on the bus, and to the laundromat.

The Hulken fits on a single escalator step, so I just roll it right on and off and never have to lift and balance it. I also love that it's the perfect height to glide under the subway turnstile — it skirts right under the bars behind me.

The most daunting part of traveling with a fully loaded Hulken is lifting it up and down stairs. While it's definitely a workout, the handles feel super sturdy. Hulken claims they're "unbreakable," and I can confirm they didn't show any signs of budging while supporting about 40 pounds of weight.

Look, the city can be really gross, and the last thing I want is for a pigeon to crap directly into my bag of groceries or some kid to drop their Mister Softee cone onto my pile of freshly laundered clothing. The Hulken's zippered top is useful for keeping everything secure and protected from the elements. The bag isn't completely waterproof, but I've carried it a few times in the rain, and it's kept everything inside perfectly dry. The top also helps keep cold grocery items cool and sheltered from the sun, though it stops short of being a true cooler.

The Hulken folds down to not much larger than a typical reusable bag. When I'm carrying it empty, I just tuck it under my arm. A metal-frame granny cart takes up way more space and isn't as convenient to carry when not filled.

Every time I use the Hulken I get compliments on it. On my last trip home from Trader Joe's, two people stopped me to ask about it. It's just a big plastic bag, but it somehow feels very sleek and chic, which is — of course — the ultimate goal for my New York alter ego.

I personally find pulling the Hulken behind me more tiring than pushing a cart in front of me with two hands. It also takes a little more work and attention to navigate obstacles (of which there are many in the city) while pulling the Hulken than it is when you're pushing a traditional rolling cart. This isn't a dealbreaker for me — an active 36-year-old — but a classic granny cart may be the better option for those who need to prioritize stability.

If I were to request one change to the Hulken's design, it would be some sort of velcro strip to keep the bag from flopping open when it's folded up.

Lastly, the most undeniable con is the price. It's a lot to pay for a bag on wheels. The Hulken is patented, but I've seen cheaper imitators pop up, including one from Target. I can't vouch for its quality compared to the Hulken, but if you can't fathom spending $100+ on a big plastic bag, it may be a viable option.

The Hulken comes in three sizes, and I went with the large because I'm regularly "hulking" big boxes as part of my job as a product tester. That said, I think the medium is probably the ideal size for most people, especially if you primarily plan on using your Hulken as a grocery bag or laundry cart.

I can honestly say the Hulken is a delight to schlep. I highly recommend it for city dwellers who are short on storage space and big on style. While it's pricey, I think it's worth every penny — and now I want one in every size.